> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wapnotify.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Templates overview

> What WhatsApp message templates are, why they require Meta approval, and the three template categories.

A WhatsApp message template is a pre-approved message format that Meta allows businesses to send outside the 24-hour customer service window. Templates are required for broadcasts and for initiating conversations with contacts who haven't messaged you recently.

## Why templates require approval

WhatsApp's policies distinguish between two types of messages:

* **Session messages** — free-form replies sent within 24 hours of a customer's last message. No approval needed.
* **Template messages** — structured messages sent outside that window, or proactively. Must be submitted to and approved by Meta before use.

Meta reviews templates to prevent spam. Approval typically takes a few minutes to a few hours, though some templates may take longer or be rejected.

## Template categories

When you create a template, you assign it a category. The category affects pricing and the types of content allowed.

| Category           | Used for                                                  | Examples                                                  |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Marketing**      | Promotions, offers, product announcements, newsletters    | "Sale starts tomorrow — shop now"                         |
| **Utility**        | Transactional updates tied to an action the customer took | "Your order has shipped", "Your appointment is confirmed" |
| **Authentication** | One-time passwords and verification codes                 | "Your OTP is 482910"                                      |

<Tip>
  Utility templates are charged at a lower rate than Marketing templates and typically have better delivery rates. Use Utility for transactional messages like order confirmations and appointment reminders.
</Tip>

## Template structure

A template can include:

* **Header** — optional. Text, image, document, or video.
* **Body** — required. The main message. Can include variable placeholders like `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`.
* **Footer** — optional. Short text shown below the body in a smaller font.
* **Buttons** — optional. Call-to-action (URL or phone number) or quick-reply buttons.

## Template statuses

| Status       | Meaning                                                                  |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Pending**  | Submitted to Meta, awaiting review                                       |
| **Approved** | Ready to use in broadcasts and conversations                             |
| **Rejected** | Meta declined the template — review the reason and resubmit with changes |

Only **Approved** templates appear when sending from a conversation or broadcast.